Good communication and motivational skills are the most desirable qualities of a prospective leader according to Manchester professionals.

This is according to the latest research by global workspace provider Regus.

The Regus report, which canvassed the opinions of business owners and senior managers from across the city, revealed that 91 per cent of respondents believe good communication skills are a desirable quality in a leader.

The ability to motivate people polled almost as highly, scoring 90 per cent.

More surprisingly, commitment to the job was the third most sought-after quality, with 89 per cent.

This is an interesting finding, seemingly at odds with analysts’ predictions around the growth of the ‘gig economy’, a business climate being driven by individuals working on a project-by-project basis for a number of different firms.

Richard Morris, UK CEO at Regus said: "Being a good leader is something that most workers aspire to, whether they are dealing with a small team, a large division or an entire organisation.

“Interestingly, commitment scores very highly - a finding that should make the business community sit-up and take notice.

"The survey results suggest that hopping from job to job and project to project - whilst appealing to those gaining experience and life-skills – is not necessarily conducive to developing management and leadership skills.

“The most popular qualities identified by our respondents in Manchester are all ones which promote a positive workplace culture.

"While technical knowledge and financial competence certainly have a part to play, a truly great business leader is someone who knows how to make employees feel valued, who sets a positive example with actions rather than just words and who uses encouragement, rather than intimidation, to draw the best out of people .”

Honesty and confidence were also revealed to be highly valued qualities, each identified by 87 per cent of respondents.